High BAC DUI Attorney in Bellevue

DUI Involving a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.15% or Higher

In the state of Washington, it is illegal for anyone 21 or older to drive with a blood alcohol concentration ( BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This is known as driving under the influence (DUI) and it comes with serious penalties. However, the consequences of a DUI conviction become even more serious when one’s BAC is at or above 0.15%, even for a first-time offense.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI with a high BAC in Bellevue or anywhere in King County, Snohomish County, or the nearby areas, your future is on the line. At DUIHeroes, we only handle DUI cases. Our Bellevue high BAC DUI lawyers know what’s at stake, and we know how to aggressively defend your rights and interests.

Contact our office today at (425) 296-9358 to begin with a free consultation. 

What Is Considered a “High BAC” in Washington?

While state law does not specifically define what makes a “high” blood alcohol concentration, it does increase penalties for those charged with DUI when their BAC is 0.15% or higher. 

For someone with no prior offenses in the last seven years, the penalties for DUI with a BAC of 0.15% or greater include: 

• A minimum of 48 hours (2 days) in jail or 30 days of electronic home monitoring
• A one-year driver’s license suspension by the Department of Licensing (DOL)
• A minimum $500 fine, up to a maximum of $5,000
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)

Note that these penalties are simply the starting point. If certain other factors are present, such as the presence of a minor under the age of 16 or an accident involving bodily injury or death, the penalties increase even more. 

Additionally, being convicted of a high BAC DUI in Washington will lead to a permanent criminal record. This can significantly impact everything from your career to future job opportunities, your education, and more. However, a conviction is not inevitable. Many people believe that, once they’ve been arrested for DUI, there’s nothing they can do, but this is simply not true. At DUIHeroes, all we do is defend these types of cases.

Defenses to High BAC DUI Charges

One of the primary defenses to any DUI charge, including DUI with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, is challenging the validity of the test. Blood alcohol concentration is typically determined by either a breath test, usually administered via a breathalyzer, or a blood test, taken under specific conditions in highly controlled settings. 

Breathalyzers must be properly calibrated and used correctly; any error in calibration or administration could result in an inaccurate reading. When it comes to blood tests, those responsible for administering the tests must follow strict protocols and chains of custody to ensure there is no contamination. Additionally, blood draws for BAC cannot be performed unless the officer has requested a warrant. 

The results of a BAC test are not indisputable. In fact, many BAC test results—and field sobriety test results—are inaccurate. At DUIHeroes, we know how to challenge the evidence and build a compelling defense on your behalf. Our team includes two former prosecutors who understand how these cases work, and our founding attorney has taken the same DUI training as police officers. We have a 95% success rate in getting first-time DUI charges reduced or dismissed*, and we are prepared to use all of our resources, knowledge, and experience to advocate for you.

How Our Bellevue High BAC DUI Attorneys Can Help

Washington law enforcement and prosecutors take all DUI cases seriously, but the stakes are even higher when you’ve been charged with DUI with a BAC of 0.15% or greater. That’s why it’s so important to have a skilled defense team by your side. 

Since 2009, our firm has been defending the rights of those charged with DUI in and around King County. We are widely recognized as an authority in this area of law, and our founding attorney, Jonathan Dichter, often serves as a lecturer and instructor on DUI defense strategies in Washington State and nationally.

When you choose DUIHeroes, you get a team that will be there for you, every step of the way. You receive direct access to your lawyer, day or night, and consistent case updates. We treat every client with the utmost respect and care, providing attentive legal guidance and personalized strategies aimed at achieving the best possible outcome. 

Don’t let a DUI charge ruin your life. Call our high BAC DUI lawyers in Bellevue today at (425) 296-9358 or contact us online to discuss your legal options.